Netflix recently made significant changes to its gaming lineup, removing six previously announced mobile titles. This strategic shift impacts several anticipated games, including Don't Starve Together, Tales of the Shire, Compass Point: West, Lab Rat, Rotwood, and Thirsty Suitors.
This isn't Netflix's first instance of canceling games after initial announcements; Crashlands 2 faced a similar fate. The company appears to be refocusing its gaming strategy, prioritizing narrative-driven games and titles based on its popular shows and movies over independent titles. This is evident in the expansion of Netflix Stories, which will feature adaptations of shows like Ginny & Georgia and Sweet Magnolias.
While disappointing for those anticipating these games on Netflix, most are still slated for release on other platforms. Don't Starve Together, originally planned as a Netflix Games mobile exclusive, will now launch via Playdigious. Rotwood remains in early access on Steam. Tales of the Shire, initially expected in Fall 2024, has been delayed to early 2025. The removal of Compass Point: West, a Next Games title (a Netflix subsidiary), is particularly noteworthy. Finally, Thirsty Suitors, will be available on Steam and consoles, but not through Netflix.
This reassessment of Netflix's gaming portfolio highlights a change in direction, moving away from a broader range of indie games towards a more curated selection aligned with its core entertainment offerings. For a complete list of currently available Netflix Games, check the Google Play Store. For more Netflix news, read about the upcoming additions to Netflix Stories.
